Workplace news in brief

Wales FE strike

Further Education union members in Wales delivered a mandate for strike action over pay in ballots that closed on 5 January.

The willingness of members in campus unions to support action has already led to the employers, represented by Colegau Cymru, revising their position. Before Christmas they were saying there would be no cost of living increase this year; now the unions have received a provisional offer (still to be confirmed) of a 1% across the board rise.

This still falls a long way short of the collective claim we submitted for the greater of 3% or £1,000.

Unison estimates the value of our wages have fallen 16% since 2010. As one member told me: "**** all plus 1% of **** all is still ****" all!"

Ronnie Job, FE Unison steward

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Lambeth College

Lambeth College lecturers are hoping for solidarity in their struggle from an unlikely source - schools inspector Ofsted.

Three consecutive days of strike action started on 13 January at the south London college. Members of the University and College Union have been fighting contract changes since last term. Attacks include reducing sick pay and holiday, and increasing working hours for no extra money.

Management has been silent on likely Ofsted results. Several managers are reported to have recently resigned. Pressure from the regulator could help resolve what has been a difficult and protracted dispute.